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Modern Warfare 2: What's in a Name?

Infinity Ward tries to explain the Call of Duty label but seems to miss the mark.

Infinity Ward's multiplayer designer Todd Alderman gets interviewed on Joystiq in regards to Modern Warfare 2 but seems to get a little bogged down when it comes to trying to explain the inclusion of the "Call of Duty" moniker in the new shooter's title.

Well there are a lot of different factors involved, but we wanted to make sure, and I tried to state this at the beginning, that this is a different game. I mean it is not ... it has got 2 on it obviously, but it is not just a sequel. It is not just another Call of Duty game. It is a big new thing and we want people to associate it with Modern Warfare 2. And it is the same story, so it is in the Call of Duty universe.

So messaging it both ways, I think it's helpful. People that are in the know, know what Modern Warfare 2 is. People that know what Call of Duty is might not necessarily get it in a way, but establishing that identity and making sure that this is Modern Warfare 2. It is not just Call of Duty blah, blah, blah. It is Modern Warfare 2. And then having the Call of Duty ... we are not denying it is Call of Duty.

Glad that's cleared up. This situation arrived earlier in the year when Activision's train of thought was to include "Call of Duty" in the title for Modern Warfare 2 so as not to confuse consumers. Good job that's not happened, eh?

I see you...

Bryn says: Well, I'm confused. Actually, I get what he's trying to get across, but seriously, it's hardly the best explanation. It should have gone something like this: